Underworld Ties

Freedom & Family

Bobby stood outside the prison gates, squinting against the bright morning sun. The air felt different—fresher, alive with possibilities. He took a deep breath, the weight of his five-year sentence finally lifting as he stepped into the world he had longed for. His heart raced as he thought about seeing his daughters again, especially Bella, who was now five years old.

"Yo, DeMarco!" a familiar voice called out from behind him. It was Tommy, leaning against a beat-up car with a huge grin on his face. "Look at you, all free and stuff! You gonna go hug your kids or stand around looking pretty?"

Bobby laughed, the sound echoing in the morning air. "You know me, Tommy. Always trying to look good, even in this getup."

"Right? You look like a lost contestant on a prison reality show," Frances joked, stepping up beside Tommy. "First thing you gotta do is hit a thrift store and find something that fits!"

"Thanks for the fashion tips, fellas," Bobby replied, smirking. "I'll be sure to look for something that screams 'I just got out of prison!'"

"Just don't show up in a jumpsuit again," Jack chimed in, shaking his head with a laugh. "We can't have you getting arrested for fashion crimes."

As they exchanged friendly banter, Bobby's heart pounded with anticipation. "But really, I gotta get going. My girls are waiting for me."

"Go get 'em, champ! Just remember, they might not recognize you at first," Tommy said, giving him a hearty pat on the back. "But once they see you, it'll be a whole reunion vibe!"

Bobby waved goodbye and hopped into the car, a little rusty on the steering wheel after years away. As he drove through the familiar streets of Detroit, memories flooded back—nostalgia mixed with a hint of anxiety. Would Bella remember him? How would Mia react?

Pulling into the driveway of their home, Bobby felt a rush of emotions. It looked the same, but everything felt different. The flowers in the garden were blooming, the paint on the house fresh, and the air was filled with the sweet scent of summer.

He stepped out of the car, heart racing. "Okay, Bobby, you got this," he muttered to himself, smoothing his hair nervously. Taking a deep breath, he walked up to the front door and knocked.

Moments felt like hours as he waited. Then, the door swung open, revealing Mia, now 22 and standing tall. She looked different—more mature, with a confidence that radiated from her.

"Dad?" she said, eyes wide, disbelief written all over her face.

"Hey, kiddo! It's me!" Bobby replied, a smile breaking across his face.

Without hesitation, she threw her arms around him, and he lifted her off the ground, spinning her around. "I can't believe you're here!" Mia exclaimed, tears in her eyes.

"Neither can I! I missed you so much!" Bobby said, his voice thick with emotion.

As they embraced, the door swung open wider, and there stood Nicole, looking more beautiful than ever. Her eyes glistened with tears as she took in the sight of Bobby. "You made it," she whispered, stepping forward.

"Hey, Nic," he said softly, stepping forward to wrap his arms around her. "I'm home."

"Welcome home," she replied, her voice shaky.

Just then, a small voice piped up from behind Nicole. "Daddy?"

Bobby turned, and there she was—Bella, his five-year-old daughter, peeking shyly around her mother's leg. She had curly hair, big brown eyes, and a smile that lit up her face like the sun.

"Bella!" Bobby knelt down, arms open wide. "It's me!"

She hesitated for a moment, and Bobby's heart sank. "Do you remember me?" he asked gently.